The answer was under his breath and reflected on my parentage.
Suddenly the door of the car swung open. Alta got out and walked straight toward the shadows. She said, “Honestly, it’s all right. Donald brought my dad and me down to talk a little business with you.”
“Who are you?”
“My name’s Alta.”
“Get over there in the light where I can get a look at you.”
She moved over beside me in the light.
Henry Ashbury said cheerfully, “I guess I’m next.” He got out and came shambling over to stand beside us.
“Who the hell are you?” Pete Digger asked.
I said, “You damn fool, he’s Santa Claus,” and put my hands down.